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Friday, November 16, 2012

TBR welcomes Carla Caruso

TBR: Welcome to TBR, Carla Caruso. Will
you share a little bit about yourself?Carla: Hello, I’m an Australian author called
Carla Caruso. I’m behind the new eBook, Mommy
Blogger (Eternal Press). I’ve had a varied career as a newspaper and
magazine journalist, government PR, fashion stylist – and now author. Hobbies
include watching trashy TV shows, fashion, astrology and running J

TBR: Tell us about Mommy Blogger and where it's available.Carla: Sure, here’s the blurb… One baby, one lie–and a
whole new career. Stella lands a great job as a mommy blogger. The catch is
she’s never had children. Plunged into a world of insanity every mother faces,
she must learn to cope as her lies build upon one another. A sexy ex comes into
the picture, forcing her to choose between him or the job and a handsome
‘keeper’ of a co-worker. It can’t last forever.

EXCERPT: A crash sounds behind me, making me jump
about ten-foot high. I turn. Shoot. Zach’s leaning over, his tiny hands on the
back of the faux cloud, which is now face-down on the ground. His tiny frame
belies his strength.

Making
vroom-vroom noises, Zach jumps up and darts away before I can catch him,
pushing over a pretend tree now. The move sends another two trees toppling
over, almost flattening the forty-something dad and kid, plus a unicorn. A
collective gasp echoes from the crowd. Swearing under my breath, face flaming,
I charge after Zach. He zips away, trying hard to push over a rainbow next.

Giving
up, Zach charges on. All I can do is run helplessly after him. He’s as slippery
as an eel. Dennis the Menace has nothing on him. From the audience, I hear one
kid noisily burst into tears. I glance over at Elvis. He looks aghast. Drat.

TBR: What inspired you to write
about the theme?Carla: Mommy
Blogger was inspired by my once applying to write for a parenting website,
pretending I was a mom – when, in truth, I’m not! My clueless story ideas,
needless to say, didn’t make the cut. The novel is also inspired by that
strange time in your thirties, as women, when friends start falling into one of
two camps – the yummy mommies and the party-loving singletons. Working out how
to still relate to one another can be the dilemma.

TBR: Are you a plotter or pantser?Carla: Total plotter! I get stumped with what to
do next if I don’t have a plan in place. Every scene has a reason that furthers
the plot or, okay, at least gets a good laugh (fingers crossed) from the
reader.

TBR: Do you have a favorite quote
you’d like to share?Carla: “The reason we struggle with insecurity is
because we compare our behind-the-scenes with everyone else’s highlight reel.” It’s
so true! My little sis, Daniella, told me that one…

TBR: Did any music inspire your
book? Do you have a playlist?Carla: I love my old-school R&B, like Ashanti,
Ja Rule and Destiny’s Child. Bring it on! Similarly, protagonist Stella
Anastasi can’t seem to let go of her youth and does too.

TBR: Which of your characters would
you most/least like to invite to dinner, and why?Carla: I’d most like to invite Stella’s oddball
friend, Rose, to tea (that’s what we call dinner in Australia!) She’s full-on
quirky. She drives an old pink Datsun 120Y with eyelashes on the headlights,
and love-love-loves a freebie – everything from online clothes swaps to perfume
samples, she’s there! She’s always saying weird things too, which would keep
the other guests amused.

TBR: Any other published works?Carla: Yes, I have just released another novel, Cityglitter, out through Penguin’s new
digital-first imprint, Destiny Romance. It’s about a gorgeous fairy living a
glam life in the big city, who does the one thing she promised herself she’d
never do: fall in love with a human! (Find out more at www.destinyromance.com.)

TBR: What’s the most challenging
aspect of writing? Most rewarding?Carla: Editing can be a drag! I love coming up
with ideas. It’s just the writing and editing part that’s tough haha. The most
rewarding is, of course, the finished product. Oh, and positive reviews! Reader
feedback. And getting another publishing contract. The list goes on…

TBR: What’s
the most interesting comment you have received about your books?Carla: On Mommy
Blogger, The Book Boost blog said “would like to see another book featuring
this character… loved the ‘snarkiness’ right off the bat. Amazingly funny voice
will start you off giggling and keep you laughing throughout…Part two, anyone?”
I was chuffed, just quietly!

TBR: Who are some of your favorite
authors and books? What are you reading now?Carla: Favourite authors I always mention include
Sophie Kinsella (love the Shopaholic
Series!), Maggie Alderson and Zoe Foster. I have also just discovered Lisa
Walker, who has recently written a very funny book called Liar Bird. My kind of brand of humor!

TBR: Where can readers find you on
the web?Carla: My blog’s atwww.carlacaruso.com.au.
Plus, I’ve just joined the Twitter-verse at @CarlaCaruso79.

TBR: Readers, Carla Caruso will give
away a copy of eBook Mommy Bloggerto one lucky commenter. She'll pick a winner on
Saturday and announce the winner here. Be sure to leave your
email address so she can contact you.

About TBR

TBR highlights books you haven't yet read but would love to.
If you're an author interested in featuring your work, check the available dates under the Schedule tab and email: tbrtheblog [at] gmail.com to arrange an interview.
Please note: This blog is not rated, so all excerpts must be suitable for general audiences, though books of any heat level are welcome, as are books of any genre. We look forward to featuring yours!